Cardenia Wu has a lot to deal with when she unexpectedly becomes the next in line to rule the Interdependency. Empire politics, unwanted marriage proposals, oh yeah, and the potential disintegration of all the interconnected human settlements. Fast and enticing, Scalzi does not disappoint.

Wow. This book made me feel so many tender and intense emotions. Darius' journey to Iran to meet his dying grandfather becomes a beautiful exploration of friendship, family, depression, and discovery of one's place in a sea of self-doubt. This book will warm your heart, as well as break it, and you'll be so happy it did.

You may know Circe as the original witch, or as the goddess who tempted Odysseus on his legendary journey, or perhaps not at all. You may for a time forget it all, and instead be pulled into the story of her life recounted, told as its own epic, as she struggles to find her own meaning and agency in the realms of men and gods, when she fits in neither. Perdita Weeks narrates with such power and beauty, sweeping you up in every emotion as Circe's story unfolds.

Once again Becky Chambers has lived up to my every expectation. Through the perspectives of five very different people (plus an alien for good measure) she unfolds the intersections of life and death, stability and displacement, all through the every-day lives of the citizens of the Exodus Fleet, the original ships that left Earth in search for a better life. As always Chambers' characters feel more real than written, and her proposed future a hopeful, but complex, existence.

Rather than spin, I find Novik brilliantly weaves this tale, crossing contrasting threads to create a gorgeous tapestry. A wintry world, malevolent fairy creatures, a starving family, a cursed king, and in the middle of it all Miryem, a young Jewish woman forced to take over her father’s money-lending livelihood when his sentimentality leaves her family destitute. This is more than a retelling of Rumpelstiltskin, it is a tale worthy of praise all on its own.

Before the Me Too movement, there was Laurie Halse Anderson's award-winning novel Speak. Emily Carroll has illustrated beautifully Melinda's story as a high school freshman suffering from aimless depression that is rooted in an unspeakable trauma, and how a voice taken away can be reclaimed. Content warning: this story contains references to sexual assault and self-harm.

A drowning. A birth. A conversation with a killer. These are all moments when O'Farrell's story could have ended.

When I was nine I had my on brush with death. I'd lingered too long chatting with my bus driver, and the man behind the bus got impatient. Just as I went to step off, a blur of red, a rush of air sweeping my hair to the side. The bus driver was furious, but I was perplexed. As O'Farrell's memoir unfurled with lyrical anecdotes of her possible demises, I couldn't help but relive mine as well. Death is never far, but sometimes we slip its grasp for a moment, safe until our next encounter.

The future is now. Inequality and suffering have been eliminated, and death is a fairy tale most can only imagine. But with the reward of immortality also comes the necessity of population control, and so the Scythes exist to glean a small portion of the population without bias or malice. But after hundreds of years a dark disease has infiltrated the Scythedom, and apprentices Citra and Rowan must fight the corruption or risk being swallowed by it. A fresh and fascinating perspective on utopia mixed with the human condition.

Although Chamber's second book is set in the same universe as her first, it is far from a sequel. She switches perspectives between an AI trying to hide her identity among organics, and a young clone-girl born to slave away in a scrapped-tech factory. She covers issues of body dysphoria and perseverance in the worst situations, as well as what it means for each of us to live our lives on our own terms. I loved it even more than her first book!

Reminiscent of Firefly and Star Trek, it is filled with top-notch characterization, questions of morality, and fascinating clashing of culture dynamics. I fell in love with all the characters, both human and alien, and was glad for a reprieve from the heavy stories normal for this genre.

Have you been lost to another dimension? Has this caused you to be wary of so-called "podcasts"? Never fear! You can now experience all the terror, humor, oddity, and terror again associated with Welcome to Night Vale, in good, old-fashioned book form! It may even tempt you to tune in and listen to Cecil's bewitching voice, but don't worry, it will only partially confuse, and wholeheartedly delight, you.

War threatens between humans and the half-breed Arcanics, and Maika Halfwolf has a darkness within her that has her being pursued from all sides. But what defines a monster? This is a beautiful new series that you won't want to miss!

This Japanese comic memoir is the inspiring and frustrating story of Rokudenashiko's arrest for creating vulva-shaped art. Her adorable and fun storytelling gives a lighthearted take on her mission to fight against female genitalia taboo and censorship.

Binti is a young Himba woman who embarks on a journey unprecedented by her people, to attend the prestigious Oomza University. On her way there, disaster strikes and she must use her amazing skills and people's wisdom to prevent further tragedy. This novella is a beautiful example of how less is often more!

I first encountered Emily Carroll's work through her amazing interactive webcomics, and immediately became entranced by her dark and hauntingly beautiful storytelling. This collection does not disappoint in being both creepy and stunning! Best read by candlelight, in the darkest hours of the night, whilst your creepy sister-in-law lurks next door.